An art teacher at Hillcrest School who teaches middle and high school students with exceptional needs was named Marion County’s 2026 Teacher of the Year over the weekend.
Zanita Hendry, who is an 11-year veteran of Marion County Public Schools, received the honor during the 36th annual Golden Apple Gala, a black-tie event that was held at the Reilly Arts Center on Saturday, January 31.
A graduate of Dunnellon High School, Hendry holds a bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in Education and Social/Behavioral Science from the University of Central Florida.
Before winning the countywide title, Hendry was recognized as the 2023 Florida Adaptive Arts Educator of the Year…